I’ve been invited to an Initial Identification Meeting. What does that mean?
If you’re a parent in Monmouth County or Ocean County, NJ, and you’ve received a letter or phone call inviting you to an Initial Identification Meeting, you might be wondering: “What does that mean?”
This meeting is an important first step in the special education process in New Jersey. Understanding what to expect can help you feel prepared and confident when you walk into the meeting.
What Is an Initial Identification Meeting?
An Initial Identification Meeting (sometimes called an “identification meeting” or “ID meeting”) is when the Child Study Team (CST) at your child’s school meets with you to discuss concerns about your child’s learning, behavior, or development.
At this meeting, the team will decide:
Whether your child should be evaluated for special education services
What types of evaluations might be needed (speech, language, psychological, academic, occupational therapy, etc.)
How to move forward with your input as a parent
This meeting does not mean your child is already classified for special education. Instead, it’s the first step in deciding whether testing is needed.
Who Will Be at the Meeting?
You can expect to see members of the Child Study Team, which typically includes:
A school psychologist
A learning disabilities teacher-consultant (LDTC)
A school social worker
Depending on concerns, a speech-language pathologist or other specialists
You, as the parent, are an equal member of this team. Your observations and input about your child at home are essential.
What Happens Next?
If the team decides that evaluations are warranted, you will be asked to give written consent. From there:
Evaluations must be completed within 90 days (per NJ state law).
Once evaluations are done, you’ll be invited back for an eligibility meeting to review results.
If your child qualifies, the team will create an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Why This Meeting Matters
The Initial Identification Meeting ensures that concerns are taken seriously and that children who need extra support are identified early. It’s also an opportunity for you to share your child’s strengths, struggles, and your own concerns so the team has a complete picture.
Support for Families in Monmouth & Ocean County, NJ
Going through the special education process can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. At NRC Therapy Services, we support families across Belmar, Wall, Manasquan, Spring Lake, Point Pleasant, Brick, Toms River, and surrounding towns with:
IEP consultations (goal review, report review, full IEP walkthroughs)
Parent coaching and NJ Special Education crash courses
Independent speech-language and AAC evaluations
Private therapy services for speech, language, literacy, feeding, and executive functioning
If you’ve been invited to an Initial Identification Meeting in Monmouth or Ocean County, NJ, and want guidance on what to expect or how to prepare, contact NRC Therapy Services today. We’ll help you feel confident and ready to advocate for your child.